Behaviours and patterns associated with compulsive eating include food cravings, loss of self-control, continued overeating and failed attempts to stop the behaviour pattern.
Some people compulsively eat specific foods, such as highly processed foods full of carbohydrates and fats.

Compulsive overeating

Research states that processed foods contain unusually high concentrations of fats and sugars. As a result, it can cause some people to become addicted to them. Processed foods high in sugar, fat, or salt trigger the release of "feel-good" brain chemicals. When some people feel those rewards of pleasure, they will desire more of that particular food and eventually lose control over their eating behaviour, inevitably leading to weight gain and increased health risks.

Processed foods can trigger overeating

Some refer to regular overeating of processed foods as food addiction. However, researchers point out several contradictions.<ul><li>Healthy people can also self-identify as food addicts.</li><li>Those who consider themselves food addicts often say that processed food with a high glycemic index is a trigger, yet foods like carrots also have a high glycemic index and are not addictive.</li><li>Food and weight issues predate processed foods.</li></ul>

Debate around food addiction 

Overeating processed foods is linked to struggles with weight control.

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Processed foods can trigger overeating

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